MMario, the way you talk about food just does something to me...

I look around the room and try to find my good friends flattop and Skipjack K8, but I know I'll not find them. Overburdened with work and other responsibilities, they can't warm themselves in the glow of the mudcat hearth just now.

LR Mole is absent, as well, being under the weather lately, but I send him thoughts of healing from my place beside the fire.

Lox is gone (alas), not seen or heard from in many weeks. I send my best thoughts out into the crisp night air and hope that wherever he is, he's doing ok and enjoying the warmth of some hearth with those he cares about.

And Little Hawk and hesperis, get your collective asses in here!